KP CM says PTI unshakable, warns of political showdown if pushed
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has thrown down the gauntlet to the state, daring authorities to constitutionally remove the PTI-led government — and declaring he would quit politics if they succeed.
“Try to topple our government through constitutional means — I challenge you. And if you succeed, I’ll walk away from politics,” Gandapur said during a fiery press conference on Wednesday following a meeting of the PTI parliamentary party.
Joined by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, senior leader Salman Akram Raja, and others, Gandapur accused the state of deploying unconstitutional tactics, asserting, “You’ve tried conspiracies, imposed governor’s rule, even martial law — and still failed.”
He said PTI’s strength lies in its loyalty to party founder Imran Khan. “Our government, our mandate, our power — all belong to Imran Khan. No force can break those who stand with him.”
‘Nationwide Movement After Muharram’
Gandapur announced PTI will launch a nationwide political movement after Muharram, warning it will “intensify” its efforts if provoked. “If bullets are fired at us, the response will be the same — and in kind,” he cautioned.
He claimed those attempting to break the party have failed miserably. “You can jail our people, but you can’t break their resolve. Our message is clear: we are united and loyal — body and soul — to the release of our leader.”
Gandapur dismissed the recent 26th Constitutional Amendment as an attack on judicial independence and vowed that PTI would reverse it upon returning to power.
Regarding a pending request to meet Imran Khan in jail, Gandapur said, “It’s our right. But I fear they won’t allow it, even though critical matters like KP’s budget need his input.”
PTI Leadership Echoes Defiance
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar reinforced Gandapur’s stance, stating, “Every decision — from talks to protests — has been under Imran Khan’s instructions. We owe our presence here to his leadership.”
He lambasted the state for not facilitating meetings with the PTI founder for key governance decisions. “Our MNAs were removed, false references filed, and court rulings handed down. This isn’t democracy — it’s coercion.”
Gohar brushed off any talk of a no-confidence motion, insisting, “They don’t have the numbers. PTI remains the rightful government in KP — and it will stay that way.”
‘Decades of Injustice’: Raja Speaks Out
Senior leader Salman Akram Raja condemned what he called a history of political exploitation. “For 80 years, this nation has been looted. The voice of the people has been silenced.”
Calling the February 8 elections a historic expression of democratic will, Raja said the PTI’s movement is rooted in dignity and justice. “We are fighting for fundamental rights, and we will not stop until the PTI founder’s battle is won. Victory is our destiny.”
